India’s ace fast bowler, Mohammed Shami, is reportedly in the running for the prestigious Arjuna Award, acknowledging his outstanding performance in the Cricket World Cup 2023. Insider sources indicate that the selection committee has endorsed Shami’s name for this esteemed honor, recognizing his exceptional contributions to the sport.
Notably, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) took a noteworthy step by urging the Sports Ministry to include Shami, who was initially omitted from the list of nominees.
At 33 years old, Shami showcased sheer brilliance, maintaining an impressive form throughout the year, particularly in the recently concluded World Cup. His exceptional skills were on full display, notably in the World Cup semi-final against New Zealand, where he claimed a remarkable 7 wickets.
This outstanding performance secured Shami as the leading wicket-taker of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, amassing an impressive tally of 24 wickets in just seven innings.
The Arjuna Award, also known as the Arjuna Awards for Exceptional Performance in Sports and Games, stands as India’s second most prestigious sports honor, trailing only the Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award. The award derives its name from the legendary figure of Arjuna in the ancient Sanskrit epic, Mahabharata.
The inaugural Arjuna Award was claimed by Krishna Das, an archer, in 1961, marking the beginning of a tradition that has since celebrated the nation’s top athletes. Over the years, the award’s criteria and framework have evolved while steadfastly upholding its primary objective of recognizing excellence in sports.
Looking ahead, all eyes are on Shami as he is expected to make a triumphant return to the field as part of the Indian squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.
The eagerly awaited series is set to commence with a Boxing Day clash on December 26th at Centurion, followed by the second Test scheduled for January 3rd in Cape Town. As Shami continues to make waves in international cricket, the prospect of him receiving the Arjuna Award adds another chapter to his illustrious career.